This episode cuts through the complexity of ecommerce shipping, especially international, by introducing businesses to the concept of shipping consolidators. Learn how to drastically reduce your shipping costs, potentially by over 40% internationally, by leveraging aggregated shipping volumes without incurring additional fees. It provides actionable insights on choosing between air and sea freight and understanding all-in pricing for international trade.
Key takeaways
Leverage shipping consolidators like inXpress to access heavily discounted international shipping rates, even on top of your existing carrier discounts, without paying extra fees or subscriptions.
Understand the concept of "all-in pricing" to account for all fees, taxes, and security costs upfront when engaging in international importing and exporting.
Strategically choose between air and sea shipping based on your product type, desired transit times, and cost considerations to optimize your logistics spend.
Evaluate the pros and cons of sourcing products from different overseas vendors (China, Canada, Europe) by considering product quality, manufacturing costs, lead times, and potential trade barriers.
Recognize that direct carrier discounts are volume-dependent; if you're a small to mid-sized business with lower international shipping volume, a consolidator can provide significantly better rates.
On our podcast today we play host to James Peacock, president of the Arizona branch of inXpress, the international shipping guru that has saved both Grant and myself tons of money shipping overseas. What makes his website great is the fact that it requires no extra fees. You only pay when you ship, and the discounts you receive from inXpress can be combined with your existing discounts from USPS and UPS. James offers up some insightful tidbits of business information that can help you conquer the biggest challenge of e-commerce: Shipping! “People use our account as a barometer to see what kind of deals you’ll be getting,” James says as he explains the price of goods both domestically and abroad. “Every small to mid-size company are all receiving a discount…the problem is that, because international is the smallest amount of their shipping volume, the discount equals the volume. So if you have low volume, you have low discounts. We’re saving people over 40% [internationally] on top of their discounts from USPS.” Beyond telling you how to save money, James also shares his opinion on: The cost benefits of air shipping over sea shipping and vice-versa The pros and cons of purchasing from overseas vendors, including China, Canada, and Europe The meaning of “all-in pricing” when it comes to security, fees, and taxes involved with importing and exporting abroad How you can save money on your logistics by shopping for smart shippers To learn more about James and his work with inXpress, tune in
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Leverage shipping consolidators like inXpress to access heavily discounted international shipping rates, even on top of your existing carrier discounts, without paying extra fees or subscriptions.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Understand the concept of "all-in pricing" to account for all fees, taxes, and security costs upfront when engaging in international importing and exporting.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Strategically choose between air and sea shipping based on your product type, desired transit times, and cost considerations to optimize your logistics spend.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Evaluate the pros and cons of sourcing products from different overseas vendors (China, Canada, Europe) by considering product quality, manufacturing costs, lead times, and potential trade barriers.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Recognize that direct carrier discounts are volume-dependent; if you're a small to mid-sized business with lower international shipping volume, a consolidator can provide significantly better rates.
